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Miguel Ortiz

Where is unemployment office in Washington - need to apply in person

I've been looking everywhere online but can't figure out where the actual Washington ESD unemployment office is located. I lost my job last week and really need to file for benefits but I'm having trouble with the online system. Does anyone know if there's a physical location where I can go to apply in person? I'm in the Seattle area but willing to drive wherever I need to go.

Washington ESD doesn't really do in-person applications anymore. Everything is done online through the SecureAccess Washington (SAW) portal at esd.wa.gov. What specific issues are you having with the online system? Maybe we can help troubleshoot.

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I keep getting error messages when I try to create my account. It says my information doesn't match their records but I'm putting in everything correctly.

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That's usually a database issue on their end. Try using your full legal name exactly as it appears on your Social Security card, and make sure you're entering your SSN without dashes.

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There used to be WorkSource offices where you could get help, but most of those closed or went remote during COVID. Your best bet is calling Washington ESD directly, but good luck getting through - the phone lines are constantly busy.

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I've been trying to call for two weeks straight and can never get through. It's so frustrating when you need help and there's no way to reach anyone.

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Have you tried calling right when they open at 8am? Sometimes that's the only way to get in the queue before they get overwhelmed.

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Actually, there's this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to Washington ESD when I couldn't reach them myself. They basically call for you and get you connected to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

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Is that legit? I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point.

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Yeah it's totally legitimate. I was skeptical too but it actually worked. Got connected to an agent in about 20 minutes when I'd been trying to call for weeks.

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How much does something like that cost though? I'm already unemployed so money's tight.

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The main Washington ESD headquarters is in Olympia but they don't do walk-in services anymore. Everything has to be done online or over the phone since 2020. It's really annoying but that's just how it is now.

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That's so frustrating. Some of us need actual human help to navigate this system.

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I totally agree. The online system is confusing as hell and when you can't get through on the phone you're just stuck.

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Try clearing your browser cache and cookies before attempting the online application again. Sometimes the Washington ESD website gets glitchy and old data interferes with new applications.

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I'll try that right now. Should I use a different browser too?

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Chrome usually works best with the Washington ESD site. Firefox can be problematic sometimes.

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this is why the system is broken!! people need REAL help not just websites that dont work half the time. they closed all the offices and now expect everyone to figure it out online

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I understand the frustration but the online system actually works pretty well once you get through the initial setup. Most issues are user error or browser problems.

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user error my ass! the system is designed to keep people from getting benefits

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I had the same problem when I applied last month. Turned out I was using my maiden name in one field and married name in another. Double check all your name fields match exactly.

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I'm not married so that's not the issue. But maybe it's a middle name thing? I sometimes use my middle initial and sometimes don't.

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Yes! That could definitely be it. Use your full legal name exactly as it appears on your W2 forms.

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If you absolutely need in-person help, some of the WorkSource locations still have limited services. You can find locations at worksourcewa.com but call ahead because many are appointment-only now.

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Thank you! I'll check if there's one near me that can help with the application process.

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They mainly help with job search stuff now, but some locations might be able to help you troubleshoot the online application.

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Seriously though, if you just need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about your application, Claimyr saved me so much time and frustration. I was about to give up trying to call when someone recommended it to me.

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Did you have to give them your personal info to use the service?

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The service is pretty straightforward to use. They handle the calling part and get you connected directly to Washington ESD agents.

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Another thing to try - make sure you're using the correct login portal. Go directly to esd.wa.gov and click on 'File Weekly Claim' or 'Apply for Benefits' rather than trying to google your way there. Sometimes people end up on old or fake sites.

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Good point. I think I might have been on the wrong site. Let me try the official one again.

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Yes, always use the official .gov site. There are scam sites out there that look similar.

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Update: I finally got through using Claimyr last week and was able to resolve my adjudication issue. Took about 25 minutes to get connected but way better than the weeks I spent trying to call myself.

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That's encouraging! I might have to try that if I can't get the online system working.

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It's definitely worth it if you're stuck. The agent I talked to was really helpful and explained exactly what was wrong with my claim.

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Just to be clear - there's no physical Washington ESD office you can walk into for unemployment applications anymore. They eliminated that service permanently after COVID. It's online only or phone support.

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That's really disappointing but I guess I need to accept that and figure out the online system.

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its ridiculous that they eliminated in person service when their online system is so buggy

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If you're still having trouble with the online application, try using Internet Explorer or Edge instead of Chrome. I know it sounds weird but sometimes the older browsers work better with government sites.

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Really? That's so backwards but I'll try anything at this point.

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Actually Chrome works fine for most people. The issue is usually cookies or autofill interfering with the forms.

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tried calling washington esd for 3 hours yesterday and gave up. this system is impossible

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That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr. Couldn't waste any more time sitting on hold.

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might have to look into that if i cant get through soon

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One more tip - if you're having issues with the online system, try applying very early in the morning like 6-7am when server traffic is lower. The site often runs slower during business hours.

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That's smart! I was trying during the day when everyone else is probably online too.

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Early morning or late evening usually work best for any government websites.

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UPDATE: I finally got my application submitted! Turned out I was entering my middle name inconsistently. Used my full legal name exactly as it appears on my driver's license and it went through immediately. Thanks everyone for the help!

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Great news! That's one of the most common issues people run into.

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Awesome! Now you just have to wait for it to process. Hope you don't run into any adjudication delays.

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Fingers crossed! At least I know about Claimyr now if I need to call them about anything.

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